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I want to upgrade my Turntable to something heavier

I am about to retire from work. I would like to upgrade my turntable before I do this. I have a Pro-Ject, which I like a lot, but I have two big dogs. I have been considering something 1) heavier and 2) balanced. I have SourcePoint 10 Speakers driven by a PS Audio Stellar Amp. The Stelkar also offers Balanced inputs. 

I am leaning towards the Pro-Ject X8 as being a good price with room for a better cartridge. I have considered VPI, but I don't care about upgrading. Once I am retired, this is it. Ideas or Suggestions?

alahankbear
elliottbnewcombjr
7,711 posts
 

OP

I assumed you knew more about balanced.

One consideration about balanced, is that sometimes, perhaps most, but not always: for a unit with both rca and balanced: the balanced output signal will be a bit stronger.

That is what I meant by 'if you already have enough volume (with rca) and clarify, without noise.

Some volume controls are ok up to a point, then they unit starts to let some noise or hum thru. So, using balanced with a stronger signal allows you to keep your volume control lower.

Cartridge output signal is another way of avoiding needing to turn the volume KNOB higher (i.e. the listening volume the same).

Usually, home systems, we don't need the superior shielding that balanced offers, however I do like that many xlr connectors LOCK in place.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,711 posts
 

Others here can give advice about the idea of getting a separate PLATFORM to go below your existing (and future) Turntable

Townsend is often mentioned here

https://townshendaudio.com/

AI quickie

Commercial Options

  • IsoAcoustics DELOS: Features thick solid-wood blocks (walnut or maple) with patented decoupling isolator attachments to eliminate structural vibrations and resonances.

  • Pro-Ject Ground-IT Deluxe: Made of heavy-weight MDF filled with granulate for damping, available in three sizes with optional adjustable aluminum spikes or magnet-supported feet.

  • Auralex ISO-Tone: Utilizes a 0.75" Ozite-covered MDF platform sitting on 1" of proprietary Platfoam shock-absorbing foam to decouple the turntable and improve low-frequency clarity. 

  • Fluance IB40: An anti-vibration wood platform with height-adjustable feet and a bubble level, designed for universal compatibility and superior damping. 

  • Gingko Audio Cloud: Uses a tunable system with acrylic panels and vibration control balls to dampen vibrations vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.

DIY and Budget Solutions

  • IKEA Aptitlig: A popular DIY base where users can add isolation feet or pads to create a custom isolation platform.

  • Heavy Cutting Boards: Placing a turntable on a heavy wooden cutting board with rubber feet is an effective, low-cost method to reduce structure-borne vibration. 

  • Sorbothane Pads: Adding Sorbothane isolation pads under the turntable feet or platform can significantly reduce feedback and improve signal purity. 

  • Butcher Block: Solid hardwood shelves (maple or walnut) provide natural vibration absorption and dissipation due to their mass and density.

Key Benefits

  • Reduced Distortion: Prevents external vibrations from speakers or footfalls from interfering with the stylus tracking the record groove. 

  • Improved Sound Quality: Delivers a cleaner, more accurate sound with better detail retrieval and lower noise floors.

  • Equipment Protection: Minimizes wear on the stylus and other components caused by excessive vibration. "

elliottbnewcombjr
7,711 posts
 

all my comments are to keep your existing TT because you said

"I have a Pro-Ject, which I like a lot"

What specific model do you have?

Pro-Ject has Many TT accessories

https://www.project-audio.com/en/accessories/#turntable-upgrades

elliottbnewcombjr
7,711 posts
 

btw, what type, how solid is your floor, your surface/rack the TT is on?

My wood floors are like a trampoline, so even though my Plinth is heavy, my rack level and solid, I had to add isolation blocks below my TT’s adjustable feet

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,855 posts
 

@alahankbear 

I am using balanced cables out of my phono stage into my integrated. I like balanced cables better especially for a low level phono signal between the phono stage and preamp or integrated. My integrated doesn’t even have RCA inputs. 

That pro-ject x8 looks great. You should be fine if that’s the most you can spend. . 

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